On Thursday, January 16th, for the first time in the history of Vilnius District, prestigious annual awards were presented to ten of the most prominent figures who, through their work and ideas, contributed to the development of the Vilnius region and the well-being of its people, bringing recognition to the district both in Lithuania and around the world. The awards were presented to the winners by the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality, Robert Duchnevič.
In his congratulatory speech, the Mayor expressed his gratitude to each of the nominees for their contribution, their love for their land and their efforts that grow the Vilnius District and help it to become more vibrant, creative and strong. In his words, it is important to appreciate and encourage those who not only work passionately for their field, but also foster community.
"These awards are not only a recognition and appreciation, but also an inspiration to others. Some of you are promoting our country in international sports arenas, others are demonstrating strong values of tradition and community. I sincerely thank each of you for your efforts, which contribute to the prosperity of our region. Your achievements, talent and dedication have a significant impact on growing our municipality and making it one of the most attractive in Lithuania. I hope that this award will inspire you to continue your work with the same energy and passion, and may there be even more successes and accomplishments ahead,” said Mayor R. Duchnevič.
The Mayor emphasised that the municipality will continue this new tradition of awards and is confident that there will be more laureates in the future.
Edita Tamošiūnaitė, Vice Mayor of Vilnius District and Chairperson of the Committee for the Awards, addressed the audience.
‘The committee selected the best of the best – these are people and organizations who have made exceptional contributions in preserving traditions, strengthening communities, promoting sports, culture, and health, as well as in the development of tourism and agriculture. Today we are honoured to thank you, dear laureates, and to draw inspiration from you on how to persistently pursue your ideals and work diligently every day," said Vice Mayor E. Tamošiūnaitė.
The laureates were presented with specially designed Vilnius region Palm statuettes reflecting the visual identity of Vilnius District, along with certificates. The traditional Vilnius region palm tied by certified folk artist Agata Granicka, is enclosed in a capsule created by designer Dalius Razauskas – a case that will keep this fragile, unique piece of folk art safe for a long time. By initiating the creation of such an award, the Vilnius District Municipality is contributing to the preservation of endangered artisan traditions and the promotion of the unique heritage of folk art.
The award for the preservation of organ heritage was presented to Dr. Girėnas Povilionis, an organ historian and art critic who established a unique cultural centre in the surroundings of Pikeliškės which is known not only in Lithuania, but also in the whole of the Baltic region. In 2007, thanks to his personal efforts, the Organ Heritage Centre was established, with the aim of preserving, promoting and presenting the country's organ heritage to the public.
The Association "Riešės bendruomenė" was awarded the prize for community building. One of the largest communities in Vilnius District, Riešės Community has been actively uniting people for 20 years and has set an example for other Lithuanian communities. It is a place where traditions, innovations, and the determination to create a better tomorrow intertwine. Under the leadership of its chairperson Gražina Zizienė, the association not only organises annual events, but also implements long-standing initiatives that demonstrate its importance to the region's culture.
The award for significant contribution to sports was presented to Marijanas Kačanovskis, a biathlon coach and director of a sports center, who, through his active personal involvement in the sporting life, efforts, and initiatives, inspires and encourages the sports engagement of children and youth in Vilnius District, leading them to achieve great results on the world stage. His work is not only about training but also about laying the foundation of strength and love for sports, on which a healthy and active society is built.
Nurse Regina Rodzevič was awarded for her dedication to healthcare. She is not only a professional in her field but also a person who genuinely cares for the health of the community and actively promotes the ideas of a healthy lifestyle, helping people live longer and better lives. Her empathetic communication with patients builds bridges of trust, and her professionalism serves as an example for other healthcare workers. Her work as a medic symbolises true human warmth, dedication and love for her profession.
Agata Granicka, the head of the Vilnius Region Palm Weavers Association, was awarded for promoting the tradition of palm weaving. Through Agata’s initiative, the Vilnius region’s palm weaving tradition is aiming for global recognition and is being considered for inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Astronomer Henrikas Selevič received an award for his educational work in the field of astronomy. Not only did he manage to reach the stars, but he also opened their secrets to others. The telescopes he crafted and the observatory he founded engage and captivate audiences of all ages, inviting them to explore the vast universe and contributing to significant achievements in the field of astronomy. Henrikas’ discoveries and stories inspire others to pursue knowledge, while his active community involvement strengthens bonds among local residents.
Entrepreneur Božena Lazovska was awarded for her sustainable agricultural business. She is a talented cheesemaker, creating 16 unique types of goat cheese that amaze with their taste and quality. Božena’s entrepreneurial practice is based on respect for nature, and sustainability is the foundation of her work. Her efforts not only create taste wonders but also inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue sustainability and responsibility, spreading a love for the land that produces the very best.
UAB "Pelėdų parkas" was recognized for promoting local tourism. The Owl Park is a unique educational space where both children and adults have the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature. The company not only encourages people to learn about birds of prey, to understand their importance to our ecosystem, and to protect them, but also organizes educational activities that actively contribute to the development of local tourism.
The award for promoting the tradition of palm weaving within the family was presented to Stanislava and Stanislav Rynkevič. This family has been continuing and nurturing the tradition of Vilnius ragion palm weaving in the Vilnius region for over a century, ensuring its popularity and continuity for future generations.
For significant contribution to culture, the award was given to Henrich Kasperovič, the founder and longtime leader of the folk dance ensemble "Zgoda." Throughout his long cultural career, Henrich encouraged young people to engage with art and creativity while fostering a love for dance and respect for cultural heritage. These values continue to spread through the activities and achievements of his former students, who promote the Vilnius region in Europe and around the world. Henrich's contribution to creativity remains significant not only in contemporary culture but also for future generations.
In 2024, the municipal annual awards were established to honor individuals and organizations for their contributions in fields such as culture, arts, innovation, business, education, science, healthcare, law enforcement, local government, environmental protection, tourism, charitable activities, sports, or other areas.
Over 50 individuals and organizations were nominated for the new district awards in 2024. The nominations were reviewed by an 11-member committee formed by the Mayor of Vilnius District, and based on the committee's recommendation, the decision on awarding the selected laureates was approved by the Council.
Lietuviškai
Polski
Русский
